School of History, Religions and Philosophies

Our degree programmes cover the histories, systems of belief and thought in Africa, Asia and the Near and Middle East. We are unique in the field for approaching from the perspective of Asia and Africa, rather than through a western-centric framework, and for exploring in depth the dynamic histories of these regions, as well as their traditions, systems of belief and thought.

Our innovative and progressive teaching has contributed to our recent ranking of 10th in the UK and 39th in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017) for history; and 17th in the UK for religions and philosophies.

We offer BA, MA, and PhD history and religion degrees, with interdisciplinary modules, which encourage collaboration with other disciplines at SOAS. You will study alongside renowned academics whose research is building a new way of looking at the world, and whose interests encompass culture, religion, gender, economics, law, philosophy, politics, technology, and warfare. Our small group teaching means that our students enjoy greater time and attention than they may find in other degree programmes. We will help you to develop the valuable critical thinking, research, and writing skills that will enable you to make a difference in the world in whatever career you choose.

Our Head of School says

“This is a vibrant, highly motivated, and outward-looking Department which boasts unparalleled expertise on the histories, philosophies and religions of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Our academics are world-leading specialists on areas of the globe which comprise more than three-fifths of the world’s population.

With our highly diversified expertise, our comprehensive resources, and our interdisciplinary approach we offer a unique learning and research environment for a truly inter-cultural approach to the histories, systems of belief and thought in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.”

"At SOAS, I have learnt how to read a variety of texts critically and analytically and then to write about them in engaging ways."

I have chosen this University as my first choice because of valuable scholarly resources and well-known reputation of the highly qualified education. Its library is incomparable and literally attracting scholars from all around the globe.

"It’s important to remember that your time here is limited and that you should take advantage of all of the opportunities that this experience has to offer, whether it’s meeting new people, wandering the streets, visiting a museum, or travelling to new countries."

The best advice I can give is to just dive into the experience without any hesitation. Going into my study abroad experience, I didn’t expect to travel to Morocco and have the opportunity to see Roman ruins or eat chip butties (chips on a bun with sauce), but I did.

"The teaching has been passionate and engaging with a level of expertise hard to find elsewhere."

Studying history at SOAS has been an immersive experience unlike any other. The teaching has been passionate and engaging with a level of expertise hard to find elsewhere. It has encouraged us to constantly challenge the dominant narratives and developed our critical faculties. The student body is diverse and this adds to the discussions and perspectives in the classroom, enriching the learning environment.

"The degree program is quite challenging and stimulating and makes me constantly reassess my preconceptions and look at issues from points of view that I had never considered before and I’m developing my skills."

The courses at SOAS are highly specialised which makes it a unique institution in the world and it’s a privilege to be studying here. SOAS has been an experience that I wouldn’t have missed for the world.

You might not be able to find a department dedicated to your major... However, because SOAS has many courses that are interdisciplinary, you also might be able to find courses of your interests. For example, for SOAS does not have a dedicated philosophy department, I, a philosophy major, looked for courses in other departments that cover philosophical discourses. My experience here of studying Buddhism and Taoism was highly inspiring.

"SOAS is all about the people! If ever I get frustrated with my studies I remember that I have met some of the most brilliant, funny and inspiring people through being here."

I chose SOAS over any other university because of the languages available to be studied here. At the time I was in Sri Lanka learning Sinhala and I had to make a decision about where I wanted to go. SOAS was the only place in the UK where I could continue learning such an obscure language!

"The Study of Religions department offers the perfect combination of unparalleled breadth of modules with excellent teaching by leading academics. "

I wanted to be able to study in detail several diverse religious traditions side-by-side, from sociological and historical perspectives as well as theological. The SOAS course has proved ideal in this.

"I would describe my time at SOAS as some of the happiest years of my life. "

The Department of the Study of Religions is the perfect place to do my PhD which traces ideas about asceticism in one of the early Buddhist schools in Ancient India. Backed up by contact with people from Languages and Cultures, I couldn't ask for a more supportive environment.

"Above all, what really makes the whole experience of studying in the program so enriching is the quality teaching. It is the people that make SOAS a world-class academic institution."

SOAS is both very established and prestigious but also always current and fresh. Its regional focus builds on itself through the years of surveying and engaging in the cultural, economic and social landscape as our world becomes increasingly interwoven and intimate.

"The multilingual culture and great diversity at SOAS makes it a unique place to study. "

The MA programme Religions of Asia and Africa (Buddhism pathway) has offered me a good opportunity to explore the Buddhist traditions in various forms and contexts. In this course, I have been able develop an in-depth understanding of the subject and necessary research methodologies.

"The course has been beautifully structured so that all the modules interlink and complement each other."

I've also loved being part of the lively community that is SOAS; there's a buzz you can feel as soon as you walk through the doors. I've enjoyed the free world music concerts in the Brunei Gallery lecture theatre, or just sitting in the JCR with a cup of tea, hearing snatches of debate in many languages, and reading the posters and pamphlets for every possible political cause. SOAS is a stimulating place to be, both inside and outside the classroom, and I'm happy that I now have a lifelong connection to this unique institution.